A pair of 2021 vintage Pinot Noirs from Rapaura Springs made to showcase distinct sub-regions of Marlborough. Site, and everything that that brings, is a key element as the region sharpens its focus and moves the development of their wines forward. Soil types, aspects, geology and clone plays a part, and I do advise anyone with an interest in how New Zealand wines are evolving and changing, to take an opportunity to open wines from a range such as this ‘Rohe’ series and take a journey of discovery into the potential and future direction of Marlborough.
Rapaura Springs Rohe Southern Valleys Pinot Noir 2021
A vibrant ruby colour in the glass, with a purple-tinged edge. Cranberry, plum, cinnamon, raspberry and cherry flavours with a lively lift of florals. A crunch of fruit opens the palate, juicy and generous, before the warm, charry oak swaddles that dark red flavour and links in with the piquant acidity to keep the flavours pumping. Savoury flavours of mocha, tapenade and bay leaf are matched with a cinnamon and star anise spice to add more interest. Young, energetic and blooming with exact Pinot typicity but in a bold, appetising turn. 94pts
Rapaura Springs Rohe Awatere Valley Pinot Noir 2021
From the cooler, drier sub-region of the Awatere Valley, in Marlborough. A bright, lighter ruby red colour, and exhuberantly aromatic. Perfumed with dark cherry, redcurrant, acacia, damson, blood orange, tomato and smoky, eastern spices. Dry, tight and concentrated, with a glow and focus of succulent, ripe fruit. A tightrope balance of sharp acidity and a mellower, savoury edge, plus some fine, drying tannin. Toasty oak makes it mark at the back of the palate, framing the fruit. Smoky, toasty, spicy. Great stuff. 94pts
